22 Collecting the pieces

-Damon Pov -

It was ultimately determined that Kol, Elijah, and I were to set off and find this oh-so-powerful artifact that can kill that asshole once in for all.

Elena wanted to go no I should say begged to go, it was hard turning her down but she still has school and all. She did get us to agree to check up on Jeremy, she said something about him not answering his phone lately. And if he did the conversations would be short and uncomfortable.

The book map thingy was taking us somewhere near the Bahamas so we would need to take a plane, well jet in our case seeing as the two grandpa vamps have private jets.

Must be nice.

Since we decided to check in on Jeremy we are flying from where he is, the car ride is rather awkward, I'm a big fan of disrupting awkwardness but, I just don't have the energy today.

Who would have guessed going back to Mystic Falls would have such a big impact on my life, here I thought I was going to save my long-lost love but instead I get thrown into this whole mess.

And I wouldn't have it either way.

-break-

Eventually, we arrived just outside of where Jeremy is staying, we waited for any sight of him but couldn't see him anywhere.

"This is boring," I said ditching the whole 'stealth protocol' we were having I went up to his door and knocked.

*knock*

*knock*

*creak*

My nostrils were instantly hit by the heavy smell of weed and vervain. Narrowing my eyes I pushed the kid who answered the door away.

"Hey man!" the guy said in a sluggish tone

He was probably high as hell right now.

I found the origin of both scents, the weed he was smoking had vervain in it.

"Where did you get this?!" I demanded

"Mannn that kid I used to share my crib with brought it, he smoked that shit once and left," he replied

Fuck! "Did he say where he was going?" I asked

"Yeah, he said he was going to a friend's crib," the guy replied sitting down on the couch

"I see, how long ago was this?" I asked getting angrier by the second

"About a week ago," he answered laughing a bit

I didn't say anything and just left, I was not in the mood to be inside there any longer, the smell was burning my nostrils.

"What's wrong?" Elijah asked

"Apparently vervain infused weed is a thing now, Jeremy smoked some and then left a well ago," I replied in an annoyed tone

Luckily I was even able to get in, the apartment is owned by someone I trust who allowed me access. Though it's weird he never mentioned Jeremy leaving.

"Well, let's get going!" Kol said happily and took off

I couldn't agree more, I dreaded the conversation Elena and I would be having.

-narrator pov -

When Damon left the high man took out his phone and called a number, "they bought it,"

Elsewhere a different individual was following a different book toward another piece of the blade, she was a beautiful brunette-haired woman and she was on a mission, to get rid of Taban once in for all.

She just prayed whoever had the other books were strong enough to help her kill him, she would much rather have a go at him with a group rather than solo.

Old enemies of Taban were surfacing once more, some thought it was a trap and others didn't.

Only time could tell.

-Taban pov -

Staying in Mystic Falls was quite boring, especially when Inari left she likes to play around its in her nature so she is probably cooking up trouble or something.

I decided to head to town in my free time, I could feel Elena, Caroline, and Rebekah were all at the mystic grill is I decided to head over there.

The drive was peaceful it honestly blew my mind sometimes I still remember when I had to ride horses to travel and now we have cars, planes, and faster boats.

This was actually one of my favorite parts of being immortal, I get to live through the innovation, to see the change happening in the world.

I remember seeing my first automobile and thinking it was made by an advanced sorcerer, that was an embarrassing moment in my life. But nonetheless, I still remember my first experience driving a car, it was such a freeing but an odd experience that I truly will cherish forever.

Flying in a plane now that was something I really will never forget, I was weary at first but when I tried it out I couldn't believe the view, it was like I was a bird watching everything from above.

Dragging me out of my thoughts of the past was the sight of the mystic grill in front of me, I parked my car and got out in one smooth motion. Walking into the grill I instantly saw Elena and Caroline in a booth while Rebekah took up sitting at the bar. Seemingly to be flirting with some blond guy.

Elena and Caroline both looked at me, I smiled at them and made my way next to Rebekah. She was always my third favorite Mikaelson, sitting down I ordered a beer and turned to Rebekah, "so how's Mystic Falls treating you?" I asked with a smile

"Shut up Taban it's not like you care, what do you want?" she asked in an annoyed tone

"Well a thanks for saving your life would be appreciated," I replied dryly

"Oh wow, thanks Taban," she said in a dull tone

"You're welcome," I replied with a little grin

"So where did your brothers and my fanboy run off to?" I asked lightly

She scowled and replied, "none of your business,"

Shaking my head I told her, "no need to be so rude Bekah,"

Her scowl deepened, "don't call me that," she bit our anger-lacing tone

"You get angry rather quick Bekah," I replied enjoying her anger

"I should rip out your feral tongue Taban, it would do the world a favor," she replied snarkily

"Careful who you threaten," I replied in a serious tone

"What? Are you going to attack me in the grill?" eye asked with a raised brow

"Hahaha! It's funny because you know I would," I replied she turned her face to me and scowled

She didn't notice me slicing my finger with one of my fingernails, dropping a bit of blood in her drink before the wound healed.

"Just leave me alone Taban," she said annoyed

"Of course, and I wouldn't drink that," I said getting up and leaving

I winked at Elena and Bonnie before I left the grill, I would have to find time to talk to the doppelganger alone soon.

Before I left I looked over my shoulder and saw Rebekah hiding her gasping for air, she was in obvious pain.

"Should have listened Bekah," I said before leaving

I could feel her glare on my back, the Mikaelson family is sure fun to mess with.

Arriving back home I saw that Inari was already inside, well technically I could feel her get home when I was at the grill still.

Walking in I was greeted by the smell of freshly made Mongolian food, she is a pretty good cook so when she can she makes the meals.

"Hey, Taban!" she greeted me cheerfully

"Hey Inari," I replied giving her a soft hug

I remember when I first met her and Sora, I thought they were just going to be my companions and followers for a while, soon that blossomed into a friendship, a good one at that Sora and Inari were my first real friends which is kind of crazy to think about.

She has stayed closer by my side, always helping me and adding a playfulness side to my rather brutal life.

"What did you get up to today?" she asked while putting the food she made onto the table

"Not much, I read some books, trained, then I went to the Mystic Grill saw Rebekah, and decided to mess around with her, overall it was productive," I replied with an easy smile

"Ah yes messing with a Mikaelson is definitely one of the best things to do when bored," she replied taking a seat

I took a bite of her food and smiled, tasted good as ever.

"I agree, what did the great Kitsune do today?" I asked with a slight smile

Her lips twitched threatening to turn into a broad smile at my term for her, "nothing much, I went to Whitmore college and messed around some,"

"Sounds productive," I replied dryly

"Oh shut up, you just read and messed with Rebekah," she said rolling her eyes

"And trained," I protested

"And trained," she parroted

We both smiled at each others boring days.

-end-

The second part of the build up, collecting the pieces will mostly be off chapter except for little meetings between his enemies. After this chapter, the following ones will be pretty intense.